NEWS - Sydney embraces newest luxury cruise vessel

One of the world’s most luxurious new cruise vessels, Seabourn Odyssey made its first grand entrance to Sydney Harbour at 6am this morning.

NSW Minister for Ports and Waterways, Paul McLeay said the $US300 million 32,000-tonne luxury liner is the second maiden visit of a ship to Sydney this cruise season.

"It gives me great honour to welcome the newest and most opulent vessel from the Yachts of Seabourn fleet into our port," McLeay said.

"Sydney is a destination of choice because of our beautiful harbour, but also because of the great infrastructure we have and the services we provide.

"We’re the only city in Australia with two terminals dedicated to servicing the growing cruise industry. We recognise it’s an important industry for the state and are committed to helping it grow.

"This allows us to attract new ships, such as the Seabourn Odyssey.

"The Seabourn Odyssey is luxury vessel carrying 450 passengers. It is known as the ‘caviar of cruising’ with a reputation for comfort and highly personalised service," the Minister said.

McLeay will present Captain Mark Dexter with an official plaque at Darling Harbour Wharf 8 later this morning to mark the maiden world voyage, a tradition for ships entering new ports for the first time.

"This second maiden visit of a ship this season comes as Sydney is celebrating its busiest month of the year," said McLeay.

"This month a total of 19 cruise ships will visit Sydney, bringing more than 40,000 visitors. This means a $30 million boost for the state’s economy.

"Sydney is becoming increasingly popular for cruise ships. This season we have already welcomed Carnival Australia’s new home-ported Pacific Jewel and next week Sydney will welcome the third maiden visit of the season when the Balmoral arrives on March 3," he said.

McLeay said the Seabourn Odyssey arrived in Sydney from Melbourne. She is travelling the globe on her inaugural 108-day world voyage after debuting in Venice last June. She docked at Wharf 8 Darling Harbour this morning prior to moving to the Overseas Passenger Terminal tomorrow.

Yachts of Seabourn have also announced plans to bring Odyssey’s sister ship Sojourn to Australia next year as part of a 111-day tour between Los Angeles and London.